Rain Causes havoc in Makran

Volunteers distributing ration in Gwadar 

Kareem Baksh Sohrabi was in Jannat Bazaar, a bustling hub in the coastal region of Gwadar, when the rain started pouring down. Seeking shelter from the downpour, he took refuge in a nearby shop, hoping the rain would soon pass. But it didn't. It kept raining relentlessly, and soon, the entire bazaar was submerged in water.

After waiting for hours, Kareem finally made his way home through the flooded streets. Upon reaching home, he received the devastating news – his beloved boat, his sole source of income, had been destroyed in the Sur Bandar area of the city where it was docked.

The weight of the news hit Kareem hard. His boat was not just a means of livelihood; it was a symbol of his hard work and dedication. With his livelihood now in ruins, Kareem faced an uncertain future. 

Kareem Baksh Sohrabi wasn't the only one facing the wrath of the recent rain and floods in Gwadar. Throughout the city, boats were broken, shops were swept away, and houses crumbled to dust under the relentless force of nature. The streets turned into rivers, making it impossible for anyone to move around.

As the situation worsened and the rain continued for 30 hours with few breaks, the entire city became disconnected from the nearby districts of Kech and Karachi when the Basol River washed away the Makran Coastal Highway near Ormara. Roads were submerged, bridges collapsed, and communication lines went dead. Gwadar, once a bustling coastal town called the pearl of the Belt and Road initiative, now lay isolated and vulnerable, cut off from the outside world.

Rain causes Havoc and Despair

Protest on the Marine Drive in Gwadar 

According to recent reports from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the recent rains have completely destroyed 50 houses while 90 others were partially damaged in the port city. Urban flooding has led to the collapse of four walls in 15 houses and the destruction of two roads.

Another report compiled by the Haq Do Tehreek dated 29 February, asserted that more than 300 houses were damaged, and people’s livestock and infrastructure suffered heavy losses due to the recent calamitous weather, after the port city received over 180 millimetres of rainfall in only two days, breaking the normal annual rainfall of the district with 100 millimetres only.

Commissioner of Makran, Shabbir Mengal, indicated that nearby areas such as Pasni, Jiwani, Sur-Bandar, Pishukaan, TTC Colony, and the settlements of Mula Band Ward and Koh Bin Ward were severely affected, leaving many homeless and forcing them to seek refuge in safer areas.

Furthermore, the heavy rains in the nearby catchment areas caused the Akra Kaur, Swad, and Shadi Kur dams to overflow with floodwater.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) further reiterates that , 103 individuals have been rescued from the district, with ongoing efforts led by the Deputy Commissioner in the city. The PDMA report underscores attempts to drain accumulated water and assist victims, with support from the Pakistan Navy, Army, and district administration.

But all these tall claims of supplies and rehabilitation for the calamity-hit port city of the province ring hollow for the inhabitants, evident in their recent protest blocking Marine Drive near the B&R Chowk. They criticize the slow water removal process by the PDMA and district administration.

“Water still stands in areas like Meer Assa Ward, Lal Baksh Ward, and Shaheen Chowk,” one protester shared with Dawn. “Rescue efforts are sluggish, and misinformation on social media adds to the frustration.”

“We have hardly received any assistance from the government; our only support comes from our relatives when it comes to food and shelter,” Sharatoon expressed in the protest. “CPEC is not just about the cricket stadium, Eastbay Expressway, Koh-Batil, or the Gwadar airport; it encompasses the devastated and unfortunate areas like Meer Assa ward,Mula Band Ward and Koh Bin Ward, where you see only sorrowful faces and damaged houses .”

Let's not overlook the significance of the $46 billion CPEC project, which, like Saindak and Rekodiq, is intended to foster nationwide development. This prompts us to question the whereabouts of both the federal and provincial governments during the times of crisis. What credibility do their ambitious promises hold in making Gwadar a mega port city akin to Dubai or Singapore? Will the development of Gwadar merely linger in news headlines, or will concrete actions be taken?

In an emergency press conference dated March 1st, the Chairman Noor Ahmed Kalmati and vice chairman Faheem Johar of the Municipal Committee, Gwadar, addressed the dire situation in various areas, including the Tannah Ward, TTC Colony, and the entire Model School, submerged under 5 to 6 feet of water. "In this crisis, we have evacuated numerous flood victims to government shelters and with their relatives, but our committee lacks adequate resources," they stated. "Despite our pleas to the Deputy Commissioner of Gwadar, Commissioner Makran, and the Caretaker government for generators, tankers, and pipes to mitigate potential disturbances warned by the Balochistan Meteorological Department, our requests were unmet. Despite efforts by municipal councillors and the Haq Do Tareek volunteers in the Tannah Ward, a single generator is insufficient to pump out the entire accumulated water."

Initially, the committee received 24 generators from the Deputy Commissioner, but lacked the necessary pipes, requiring 700 feet of piping to remove the water. "Currently, we have 24 generators and 7 tankers, with three engaged in draining water from the TTC Colony, three in Shambay Ismial, and one bulldozer in the city. Despite receiving four generators from PDMA, PDMA is itself lost," the chairman explained. "Contrary to false reports, no authorities have extended assistance, and we have been tirelessly collaborating with local volunteer organizations, particularly from Makran division, including Kech and Panjgoor, as well as across Balochistan, to provide blankets, lentils, and food to the victims."

The chairman also revealed personal hardships, stating that his own residence is submerged in water. Despite efforts to evacuate people in the Mullah Band ward and clear drains, obstacles were encountered, with marine guards preventing access. "This treatment implies a neglect of locals in favor of Gwadar's interests," he lamented.

While municipalities are typically suited for small towns, Gwadar's status as a major port city necessitates planning by the Government Development Authority (GDA). The failure to address such issues is exemplified by the unaccounted two billion rupees allocated for water and waste management for Gwadar during Sanaullah Zehri's tenure as chief minister in 2016, prompting scrutiny into the utilization of these funds.

After taking oath as an MPA of the Balochistan assembly, Maulana Hidayat Ul Rehman, leader of the Haq Do Tehreek, arrived in Gwadar without attending the inaugural assembly. “The people of Gwadar have stood by me in times of joy and sorrow. I have come here to stand by them in their time of need,” he stated. According to Maulana Hidayat Ul Rehman, rainwater has inundated houses in Gwadar, reaching depths of 5 to 6 feet, with no relief in sight.

National Party’s (NP) Senator, Muhammad Tahir Bizinjo, in a senate address, highlighted the issue of inadequate supplies and rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of the torrential rain that devastated the city. He criticized the slow and ineffective response of the NDMA, PDMA Balochistan, and the district administration for their poor performance.

Additionally, Mr. Bizinjo brought to the attention of the Senate chairman the alarming situation of looting of rehabilitation and relief funds and items intended for flood victims. He expressed concerns that the assistance would not reach the genuine flood-affected victims. Furthermore, he raised alarm about the outbreak of epidemics in the area, with many individuals contracting cholera and diarrhea.

"The main reason behind the destruction of Gwadar's facilities is the blockage of water pathways, resulting in water accumulation in the city. Currently, the situation has reached a critical point where every household is submerged in water. The water should have been directed towards the sea, but instead, a road was constructed along the coast for Chinese, Coast Guard, and other agencies, which acted as a barrier and halted the water flow." Added Subatiyllah Baloch, a member of the Baloch Yakjethi committee ( BYC).

He further added that if people had been allowed to create small paths near the road using tractors, the entire situation in Gwadar would not have occurred. 

"The tragedy is that the road responsible for the damage does not even grant permission for travel to the residents of Gwadar; it's solely for the use of Chinese, military, and other such entities."

According to a representative from the Gwadar municipality, while people in Gwadar are currently assisting each other, marine and other Pakistani authorities are hindering their efforts by not providing them with access. The more destruction occurs in Gwadar, the more funds these authorities will receive later on in the name of Gwadar, which is a crucial source of employment for Balochistan. The people of Gwadar today need the support of the entire Pakistani nation.

Devastation amidst torrential rain in Kech

Fundraising in the Kech district 

Like Gwadar, the Kech district, situated approximately 156 kilometers southwest of Gwadar, has also borne the brunt of recent torrential rains. As the largest district in southern Balochistan, Kech has experienced significant devastation, with reports from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) indicating the complete destruction of 25 houses and partial damage to 20 others. Additionally, 2 roads and 1 bridge have been adversely affected by flooding. Rescue operations have managed to save 2 individuals, but areas like Tump, Mand, Dasht, and Blueda have been severely impacted. The collapse of the bridge at Rohdubun has cut off Tehsil Tump and Mand from the district headquarters, exacerbating the situation.

Despite claims by Municipal Committee chairman Hothman Baloch of distributing aid, including rations, lentils, and blankets, affected residents refute these assertions. “We pleaded with MPA Meena Majeed to urge the government to declare an emergency in the district, given the extensive damages and collapsed houses but in vain,” remarked a resident from Mand Tehsil.

The village of Gumazi in Tehsil Tump bore the brunt of the rainfall, with numerous houses washed away by river water. However, residents lament the absence of government support or rehabilitation efforts. The loss of crops and livestock adds to the distress, leaving farmers questioning whether they will ever receive compensation for their losses.

“Like previous years, our crops are completely destroyed. Compensation is minimal, and repairs are carried out with the help of relatives,” expressed a farmer from Dasht. Criticism also extends to elected officials, with residents feeling neglected except during election seasons.

In response to the crises in Gwadar and Kech, residents have organized a fundraising camp at Shaheed Fida Ahmed Chowk to support flood-affected individuals.

In a noteworthy development, the newly elected MPA and former Chief Minister of Balochistan staged a walkout from the inaugural assembly. “Our ex-Chief Minister and MPA walked out, alleging electoral rigging. Given that he hails from the same Makran division, we expected him to address the recent floods in Gwadar and his home district,” remarked Pb 44 elected MPA Ubaidullah Gorgaig. Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch’s decision to contest for a National Assembly seat in NA-259 Kech-cum-Gwadar adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

As both Gwadar and Kech District grapple with the aftermath of natural disasters, the resilience of communities and the responsiveness of authorities remain under scrutiny. To mitigate the damages caused by rain and floods in Gwadar, several solutions can be implemented. Firstly, improving drainage systems and constructing proper channels to divert excess water away from residential areas can help prevent inundation. Additionally, investing in robust infrastructure such as reinforced bridges and roads can withstand heavy rainfall and prevent collapse. Implementing early warning systems and educating the community about evacuation procedures can ensure swift response and reduce loss of life. Furthermore, planting trees and vegetation can help absorb excess water and stabilize soil, reducing the risk of landslides. Collaborating with relevant authorities and stakeholders to develop comprehensive disaster preparedness plans tailored to Gwadar's specific geographic and climatic conditions is crucial for effective mitigation of flood-related damages.